Tampa Bay Bucs
2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions
In the first season under head coach Raheem Morris the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went just 3-13 and easily finished in last place in the NFC South. With so many changes taking place last season, it was no surprise the Buccaneers struggled, but the key will be showing some improvement this season, as they have a lot of very good young football players on this team. Here is a look at what the Bucs will send to the field, plus my take on where they finish the season in the NFC South.
Offense:
The Buccaneers have very high expectations for quarterback Josh Freeman, who had his struggles as a rookie in 2009, throwing just 10 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. The coaching staff loves this kid and they believe he will make huge improvements this season.
I thought the Bucs might do something to improve a running game that finished 23rd in the NFL last season, averaging just 102 yards per game, but instead they look content with using Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams. If Freeman can show some improvements this season, I think it will keep teams from loading up the box and it should lead to a bigger season for both these backs if they can stay healthy.
With the loss of wide receiver Antonio Bryant this offseason, there are a lot of questions surrounding what kind of production they are going to get out of the receiving group this season. The Bucs traded for Reggie Brown and he figures to be the No.1 threat, while rookie Arrelious Benn is expected to step in right away as the No.2 receiver. The team also drafted Mike Williams out of Syracuse, and still has one of the top tight ends in the game in Kellen Winslow.
The Buccaneers did not get the production out of the offensive line they thought they would heading into the 2009 season. It all started with the unfortunate circumstances that forced the team to release left guard Arron Sears before the start of last season. Jeremy Zutah came in and started all 16 games at left guard in 2009, but needs a lot of improvement. The same could be said for right guard David Joseph, who took a step back last year. Right tackle Jeremy Trueblood has the potential to be very good, but has to play smarter. Overall this group is very young, with veteran center Jeff Faine the only starter with more than four years of experience.
Defense:
The Buccaneers selected defensive tackle Gerald McCoy with the No.3 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, but didn't stop there as they selected defensive tackle Brian Price in the second round. The Buccaneers are hoping these two can come in right away and help them improve a run defense that finished dead last in the NFL last season. The additions of McCoy and Price should allow defensive ends Kyle Moore and Stylez White a little more freedom at getting to the quarterback.
At linebacker the Bucs bring back all three starters from the 2009 season. Barrett Ruud returns as the middle linebacker, while Quincy Black and Geno Hayes hold down the two outside spots. I looked for improved play out of this group, as they will also benefit from improved play up front.
In the secondary the Bucs will continue to send veteran corner Ronde Barber out onto the field as one of their starters, as Barber can still get the job done at age 35. Aqib Talib is the other stating corner, and this guy has a ton of talent, but has been labeled a head case. At safety Tanard Jackson is back as the starting free safety, while Sabby Piscitelli and Sean Jones are expected to battle for the starting strong safety job during training camp.
Prediction - 4th NFC South: While I think the Bucs will improve on their 3 wins from 2009, I still think they finish in the basement in the South. I think it will be a solid season if they can improve to 6 or 7 wins.
For a complete look at the upcoming season, be sure to check out our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, be sure to check out our live NFL odds page each and every week!
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